Dog Q and Cat Q

Question
My 1 year old black lab has VERY dry skin.  What can I do to help her?  Also, I have a 4-year old cat, who with the exception of the last year and a half, has had another cat in her life till my older cat passed away.  Her nose is out of joint with the dog intrusion -- would another kitten help? or further annoy her?  I'm feeling terribly guilty about this. Please advise -- she just seems sad to me -- the dog LOVES her -- feelings not mutual.  She is very skittish.

Answer
Hi Liz!
Dry skin can be due to heaters inside, cold outside.  Dry skin can also be due to allergies or parasites.  You may want to have your veterinarian take a look at her to decifer which reason is the cause for her dry skin.  DermCaps are pills that are given daily to help moisturize skin.  One bottle lasts about a month and sells for about $10.  Your veterinarian can prescribe them for you.
As for your cat.  Cats are "drama queens"...they react very strongly to new situations.  Your cat will definitely get over the new dog and grow to like her. She will also become accustomed to life without her feline friend.  Don't feel guilty at all!  My husband and I have 6 cats, 5 birds, 2 ferrets and a shih tzu.  The ferrets, cats and dog are all best friends.  It wasn't always this way!  Every animal needs time to adjust to different situations.  Cats...they take their time.  They are very finicky.  Your cat may hate the dog for a month..and suddenly, out of the blue one day, she'll want to lay with her or play with her and they will be fine with eachother for life.  
The biggest thing that will help them adjust to eachother is to not make a big deal out of it.  If your cat hisses and swats at the dog, don't let your upsetment show.  This will prolong her ill feelings toward the dog.  Don't make a big point of keeping them separated...I know how labs can be overly friendly sometimes, and we definitely don't want your cat to get trampled in a playful brawl, but don't make a huge deal out of breaking it up.  The more casual you act about their relationship, the more the cat will relent on her ill feelings.  Hissing, swatting, spitting, hiding...these are all normal things for a cat to be doing when her home is interupted by another animal.  Cats can be very territorial and she needs this dog to know that SHE is in charge here.  Once she initially has her title of "Queen Bee" pronounced...she will feel alot better.  It will take time, but nothing to be concerned of.
As for getting another cat...I would definitely wait until the dog and cat are friendly with one another before stirring up more stress.
I hope this helps and please let me know how it goes!
Hilary